Chameleons are very special lizards. They come in all different colors. Some even change their colors to blend in with their surroundings. This skill makes the bright beasts seem to disappear. One of chameleon really did disappear for about 100 years. Now, researchers have finally found it!
The lizard is called Voeltzkow’s chameleon. It reappeared in northwestern Madagascar. That island nation in Africa is famous for its wildlife. It is home to about half of the 150 species of chameleons. The lizards spend a lot of time in trees or bushes. But Voeltzkow’s chameleon was found in a surprising place. “We did not discover the species in a natural forest,” researcher Frank Glaw said, “but in a large hotel garden.”
Glaw was part of a team that searched for the chameleon. The experts recently shared a report. They found several Voeltzkow’s chameleons in the garden. Glaw told News-O-Matic that finding animals is an important step in protecting them. “Species not seen by scientists are likely to be ,” he explained. The sooner scientists can learn about a creature’s risk, the sooner they can help!
Luckily, Glaw doesn’t think this lizard is in much danger. That’s because it lives over a large area of land. Glaw said finding the chameleons at the hotel was a good sign too. It shows that Voeltzkow’s chameleon can stay alive even around humans.
Still, more research is needed — if experts can find more of the creatures! “It is really hard to understand why this splendid chameleon was overlooked for so long,” Glaw said. One reason might be that the lizards’ is difficult to get to during the rainy season. Glaw added that the animals may have short lives. “So you have to be in the right place at the right time,” he said.
Experts already know a bit about Voeltzkow’s chameleons. The females are skilled at changing color. “Sleeping females are not very colorful,” Glaw shared. “Relaxed females are largely green.” But when the lady lizards get excited or stressed, they quickly get “black, white, and blue.” Males tend to stay green.
Glaw called his reptile research “a great adventure.” But he hasn’t forgotten another lost lizard in Madagascar. That chameleon has also been missing for 100 years. “The rediscovery will be an important challenge for future ,” Glaw said.
The expert shared a message for kids who dream of joining the search. “Thousands of species from all over the world are waiting for their rediscovery by you!” Glaw said. “Just keep your eyes open!”
Updated November 12, 2020, 5:02 P.M. (ET)
By Teresa Johnson
